New to the Board/ New to Reefing

ryan_ferguson25 · 08/31/2016, 06:20 PM

Hi there, wanted to introduce myself as well as start a build thread.

I'm very new to reefing, I've read and read.... and read... as well as watched and watched.... and watched... and I finally took the plunge today and bought my first aquarium and accessories.

Our first tank will be an 80 Gallon reef, and we will be taking a very patient approach to the project.

So far I have purchased:

80 Gallon drilled Seapora Rimless Aquarium
Aqueon #2 Sump
300 watt heater
1 PP8 power head, will be adding a second when required
Refractometer
85 lbs of dry rock
55 lbs of reef sand (not live)
Bacteria additive for cycle
Reef Salt
Glass Cleaner with Blades
Quite One 400 pump

I think that's it, I build custom kitchens for a living so I'll be making a custom cabinet before I start any set up.

Nice to meet you all, and look forward to your advice.

kozmic · 08/31/2016, 07:06 PM

Welcome and good luck!

The best words of wisdom I have ever heard about this hobby: "nothing good happens fast".

The second best: "never add up all the expenses..."

Personal advice:
1) set up the tank
2) let it cycle
3) let it cycle some more
4) test, test, test...
5) did I mention to let the tank fully cycle?
6) add live stock slowly, allowing the tank to re-stabilze to new ammonia and nutrient levels between adds.

And finally, never expect that the tank will auto-run itself... if you get lazy, expect negative consequences.

Very addictive hobby... I have kept tanks for 3o years, and I always will...

eta: oh yeah... and QT, every time... only one bad fish can wreak havoc and cost lots of $$ in lost live stock...

ryan_ferguson25 · 08/31/2016, 07:20 PM

cheers thanks... we will be very patient with adding livestock... I want to have have a really thorough grasp on water changes and testing before we add livestock.

SFish · 08/31/2016, 07:43 PM

Welcome to the site and have fun

gone fishin · 09/01/2016, 10:16 AM

Welcome to the forum.

The link may be of some use to you it is full of great info.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1031074

ryan_ferguson25 · 09/01/2016, 12:43 PM

cheers, thanks

I did browse that link; very helpful!

scooter31707 · 09/01/2016, 12:52 PM

Welcome to the hobby and remember patience and research is key in this hobby. No question is a dumb question.

08/31/2016, 06:20 PM	#1
ryan_ferguson25 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 141	New to the Board/ New to Reefing Hi there, wanted to introduce myself as well as start a build thread. I'm very new to reefing, I've read and read.... and read... as well as watched and watched.... and watched... and I finally took the plunge today and bought my first aquarium and accessories. Our first tank will be an 80 Gallon reef, and we will be taking a very patient approach to the project. So far I have purchased: 80 Gallon drilled Seapora Rimless Aquarium Aqueon #2 Sump 300 watt heater 1 PP8 power head, will be adding a second when required Refractometer 85 lbs of dry rock 55 lbs of reef sand (not live) Bacteria additive for cycle Reef Salt Glass Cleaner with Blades Quite One 400 pump I think that's it, I build custom kitchens for a living so I'll be making a custom cabinet before I start any set up. Nice to meet you all, and look forward to your advice.

09/01/2016, 10:16 AM	#5
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	Welcome to the forum. The link may be of some use to you it is full of great info. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1031074 __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

08/31/2016, 07:06 PM	#2
kozmic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 146	Welcome and good luck! The best words of wisdom I have ever heard about this hobby: "nothing good happens fast". The second best: "never add up all the expenses..." Personal advice: 1) set up the tank 2) let it cycle 3) let it cycle some more 4) test, test, test... 5) did I mention to let the tank fully cycle? 6) add live stock slowly, allowing the tank to re-stabilze to new ammonia and nutrient levels between adds. And finally, never expect that the tank will auto-run itself... if you get lazy, expect negative consequences. Very addictive hobby... I have kept tanks for 3o years, and I always will... eta: oh yeah... and QT, every time... only one bad fish can wreak havoc and cost lots of $$ in lost live stock... Last edited by kozmic; 08/31/2016 at 07:12 PM.

08/31/2016, 07:20 PM	#3
ryan_ferguson25 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 141	cheers thanks... we will be very patient with adding livestock... I want to have have a really thorough grasp on water changes and testing before we add livestock.

08/31/2016, 07:43 PM	#4
SFish Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 2,062	Welcome to the site and have fun

09/01/2016, 12:43 PM	#6
ryan_ferguson25 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 141	cheers, thanks I did browse that link; very helpful!

09/01/2016, 12:52 PM	#7
scooter31707 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 4,971	Welcome to the hobby and remember patience and research is key in this hobby. No question is a dumb question.